Mary Elizabeth has now completed a full week of treatment at Transitions, the outpatient rehabilitation facility run by North Shore LIJ hospital. She goes 4 times a week and receives an integrated program of physical, occupational and speech therapies. She also participates in a weekly group discussion with others who suffer from expressive aphasia – a difficulty in finding the right words, and one of her biggest challenges.
What I really like about their approach is that it’s integrated, and they treat Mary Elizabeth not as an aggregation of symptoms, but as an individual. I’m very impressed with the staff there, and the facility itself. I think that Mary Elizabeth likes it, and is looking forward to making progress. She’s not as enthusiastic as I would expect her to be – but I am confident that she will do well. At this point I think the extent to which she recovers will be largely due to how she does in therapy.
We continue to integrate Mary Elizabeth into as many “normal” activities as we can like shopping, going to the movies, drives, etc. which I think helps her feel more a part of things. We’ve had visits from friends and we always have a terrific time – with a lot of laughter and love. The kids, who are all going to a local day camp, are participating in a drama program and love to perform scenes and songs from the play they’re rehearsing.
I continue to struggle with staying positive, and have been trying to understand why. I’ve been comparing our daily life back home with our time in London, where I think I was able to be much stronger and filled with hope. It could be related to the strain of holding it all together for eight months (with a lot of help from friends) but I had another theory.
While we were in the UK, we had very specific, short-term goals to get home. There were a set of specific benchmarks we needed to pass to do that – getting off the ventilator, removing the EVDs, weaning off the trach. All our energy and focus was on those benchmarks. Now that we’re back, our horizon is significantly broader, and we no longer have these discrete landmarks by which to navigate. We’re back to our old routine – although as I’ve said before – this is completely different from our old life – in almost every way. It’s all a bit daunting at times.
As we get to know and love the new Mary Elizabeth, we’re starting to understand a little better what damage was left behind by the strokes, and how that damage impacts her daily life. The progress, while measurable, has slowed down and is somewhat less spectacular. Hopefully it’s just a little plateau, and when she gets into the swing of therapy, she’ll take off again – filling us all with wonder and awe at her amazing spirit.
Moved in Sundry Places 
Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
Mary Elizabeth’s progress to date may seem to have slowed down dramatically but when you think of where you were six months ago there has been definite incredible progress. Perhaps discussing other short term benchmarks with the Transitions staff might be helpful.
Your children have been resilient and that is due, in no small way, to your positive attitude. Surely it is easier to appear positive for your children than to actually feel that way yourself.
God is with you. Your many friends are still here cheering you all on. Our prayers for all of you continue. Do not loose heart.
With love,
The Straubs
I will cheer you and your family on whether you post or not. Sometimes stopping is easier than continuing (with the blog, I mean). Maybe take some time to accept what is now and that the past IS gone and try that. Old pictures are great, the new pictures though are the reality. I’m sorry you are feeling depressed but how couldn’t you be? You have been through a lot, much progress and perhaps now a plateau. Please think of yourself now, you have done so much for others. Maybe a little Scott time would be good for you. You deserve it.
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
I must say “Here, here” to the previous comments. You have no idea just how many of your friends are still thinking of you all and pulling for you. We have not forgotten and still hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending love,
Lynne
Dearest Scott, Know that we are all thinking of you all with deep love and affection. One of my favorite sayings these days is “we cannot the way the wind blows, but we can trim our sails”. I see you and Mary Elizabeth, Lucille and the children letting the main sheet out, trimming the jib, and I have no doubt that the spinnaker too will be soon billowing out of its bucket. Love to you all and more love and hugs, too. Noelle xxxooo
Dear Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
Another big greeting from London and your ringing friends at Stepney (I think you will be joining us again soon, which is really good news!). It is so good to read of the positive news, mixed with your completely understandable moments of struggle. As I mentioned before, my sister-in-law has looked after stroke patients in the Oxford, UK, area for 30 years now and sees a complete variety of recoveries, from really slow to medium fast and, rarer, fast. As you know, so much depends on the positive nature of the patient and it sounds, thank goodness, as though Mary Elizabeth has buckets of positive thoughts, which will be of huge benefit to you all. It must be a great joy for you to see the kids take it all on board so naturally and lovingly, and it must also give strength to ME and you. It also makes so much sense to read of your own analysis of comparing the London days with the so different present days. I hope, too, that the spirit of friendship and goodwill that we pass to you over the ‘Pond’ will give you some strength.
Many, many greetings from London to you both.
Greg
Scott and Mary Elizabeth,
It may seem like the road ahead is long and winding with no end in sight, but just remember the road you took to get here – it was not so long ago that the idea of getting MEB on a plane to come home seemed almost intangible. You both have come so far these last several months. Sometimes you have to look at back at where you’ve been to realize how far you’ve come.
Your friends are still here, cheering on the sidelines and pulling for you both to get through this and continue on. I can’t even imagine how hard this new reality is for you and your family. But I cherish the memories I have of my dear friend, and very much look forward to making new ones. Hang in there, your love will see you through this.
Take good care,
Theresa
St. Paul’s still prays for all of you – “Mary Elizabeth” is still the first name on our Wednesday night prayer ministry – I’ll never take her off the list —or off the heart! Tim
Scott you are an amazing man, and despite the current situation, MEB is a very lucky woman. Please wish her a happy birthday from all her well wishers at TIAA – and there are very many.